Sharpening Minds through Debate, Igniting Innovation via Practice: Pre-Competition Training for Adolescents Science & Technology Innovation Competition Held-Shanghai High School International Division

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Sharpening Minds through Debate, Igniting Innovation via Practice: Pre-Competition Training for Adolescents Science & Technology Innovation Competition Held

May 15, 2025

On May 14, 2025, Room B106 of Zhongxing Building at Shanghai High School International Division buzzed with intellectual energy as the High School STEAMS Office hosted a dynamic pre-competition coaching session for students advancing to the on-site finals of the 40th Shanghai Adolescents Science & Technology Innovation Competition. To address the competition’s newly added “on-site defense” and “comprehensive competency evaluation” segments, the event invited seasoned innovation education experts to deliver an in-depth workshop on “Strategies and Practices for Leaderless Group Discussions,” combining theoretical analysis with hands-on simulations.

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During the session, experts dissected the logical frameworks, role allocation, and collaborative techniques of leaderless group discussions using two provocative case studies: “Ethical Dilemmas of Free Speech” and “Priority-Setting in Wilderness Survival Scenarios.” Adopting a dual-track approach of “case analysis + scenario simulation,” 12 participating students formed random teams for timed brainstorming sessions, immersing themselves in high-pressure scenarios mirroring actual competition conditions. Observers noted how students transitioned from initial hesitation to confidently steering discussions, demonstrating rapid adaptability and team synergy. The experts further equipped attendees with a practical toolkit addressing common challenges such as “balancing innovation with feasibility” and “highlighting core arguments persuasively.”

This immersive training empowered students to break free from conventional thinking. Participants reflected that the training taught them more methodologies and fundamentally reshaped their understanding of teamwork. With the SASTIC finals approaching, the school community eagerly anticipates these young innovators to scale new heights with their critical thinking and creative brilliance on the grand stage!

(Written and Pictures by High School STEAMS Office Edited by Cody Turner Reviewed by Qian Zuo)